S-0965.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 5643

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

By Senators Fraser, Fairley, McAuliffe, Hale, Kohl, Prince, Rasmussen, Wood, Johnson, Franklin, C. Anderson and Winsley

Read first time 01/30/95.  Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade.

Promoting sister relationships with other countries.

    AN ACT Relating to educational, cultural, and business exchange programs; adding a new section to chapter 43.31 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature recognizes the importance of educational, cultural, and business exchange programs in developing mutually beneficial relationships between Washington state and other countries.  In order to promote trade and enhance international, educational opportunities the legislature strongly encourages cities, counties, ports, and others to establish sister school relationships within their established sister relationships.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:

    The department of community, trade, and economic development in consultation with the office of international relations and protocol shall provide information and assist local governments in maintaining their established sister relationships in other countries.  The department shall encourage and promote the use of its services for this purpose.

                            --- END ---